Support Public Education in PA

A tough economy is no time to make massive cuts to education funding and budget legislation in Harrisburg would do just that. Draconian cuts to school funding would lead to grave consequences that would roll back years of progress in boosting Pennsylvania’s students’ achievement and improved scores on math and reading assessments. Moreover, supporting such a bill, the one proposed by the Senate, would further increase the burden on the next generation for an economic crisis they did not create.

It has become increasingly clear that in order for our children to compete successfully in the global economy and fuel the future prosperity of our state they must be provided a high-quality education.

Cuts in funding for schools now will have terrible consequences for years, not only for our children, but for our state. US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan wrote a letter to our Governor Ed Rendell warning that if states misused stimulus funds, it could take them out of the running for millions in grants and other spending. He reiterated President Barack Obama’s message: stimulus recovery funding is to spur investment in education, promote innovation and keep education progress on track.

We need a broad based solution to our revenue problem; a solution that will not turn back the clock on school funding reform. We must stay on track with Pennsylvania’s 6-year plan to fund our schools.

The Governor’s proposal keeps us focused on education. That is why we must adopt the Governor’s proposal to raise revenue by dipping into the rainy day fund and raising the income tax. This small sacrifice would support a more prosperous future for our children and our state.